After winning the Naismith College Player of the Year for two straight seasons at Purdue, Zach Edey was drafted ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Many wondered if his game could adapt to the fast-paced perimeter-oriented NBA level, but very quickly, he has hushed those skeptics, averaging over 20 minutes per game with the trajectory to be a double-double machine in the near future.
After a matchup against the Clippers, Edey talked with HoopsHype about his rookie year, teammates who have given him the best advice, a Yao Ming anecdote, and more.
How has your rookie season been coming along?
Zach Edey: It’s been an up-and-down season for sure. I think that's how most rookie years kind of go. I think just kind of my understanding of the game, my understanding of the situation I'm in, and my role on the team.
Rookies always talk about how the game is really fast for them the first season. Have you felt that, and at what point has it sort of slowed down for you?
ZE: Just every game. Just slowing down a bit by bit. Seeing little things before they happen. Kind of being able to read plays before they happen. Just every game. Just kind of bit by bit.
In terms of the college game to the NBA game now, what’s been the biggest thing you’ve had to adapt to?
ZE:Really offensively. I've been asked to play a ...
